Thomson Adsett partner says Cairns design finally embracing lifestyle

Crystalbrook Collection has applied for Cairns Regional Council approval to erect the Riley signage on its new $130 million redevelopment of the former Tradewinds Hotel on Abbott St. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

AFTER 40 years’ in the business, Cairns architect Tim Bentley (pictured) is pleased the city is finally coming into its own in terms of building design.

The ThomsonAdsett Cairns and South Pacific regional partner is working on the new Crystalbrook Collection hotels, Riley and Bailey, and said the additions to the city would boost the region’s ‘Instagram moments’.

“Cairns has a focus on tourism, and it has been a long time between drinks since the last hotel was built in Cairns,” he said.

“Cairns is the sort of thing that should be on everyone’s bucket list and the high level of sophistication in these new hotels’ designs, I think, is going to be the takeaway for our visitors.

Thomson Adsett Cairns and South Pacific regional partner Tim Bentley

“I think there’s a range of aspects that make design and buildings in Cairns unique and to start with it’s all about liveability.

“It is a community that breathes and that means that you need to talk about homes and an environment which will extend to nature and permit a style of outdoor lifestyle.

“Homes and buildings here really bring the outside in with lots of plants and the ability to live internally in a comfortable environment.

“There had got to be somewhere to store the fishing rods – we live outdoors, we have a beautiful environment which allows us to do that.

“Houses here are building more cross ventilation in to capture the breezes and cool places down and there has to be the ability to access natural light. “In the past, there has been a desire to move to the lowest common denominator, which is often price driven.

“People are starting to realise and recognise designs which already reflect the environment and more sustainable and energy efficiency.”

Mr Bentley said the tourism market was a lot more informed, through access to information and technology.

He said the ability to research the accommodation to be rented in “quite a degree of detail” meant design was even more important moving into the future.

“Cairns is a specific brand — it is Australian, first world, tropical,” he said.

Disclaimer: The information published in this section is of a
general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial
situation or particular needs. Where indicated, third parties have written and
supplied the content and we are not responsible for it. We make no warranty as
to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information, nor do we
accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or
errors contained in the content. We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan
products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders. We strongly
recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content.